Theater

When it comes to having fun, theater people know just how to make it happen. That's why Seven Angels Theatre is dishing up a lot of fun with their upcoming fundraiser, "Tony 'n Tina's Wedding." The Waterbury-based theater has taken the saying, "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!" to a whole new level. By now most theater followers have heard of the fun-packed production of "Tony 'n Tina's Wedding," which was an Off Broadway hit and one of the the best dinner shows ever. It ranks as the longest running Off-Broadway comedy in history. What makes it so popular is that it's really a feast. Everybody has fun, including the audience. Having played more than 100 cities globally, it's coming to a banquet hall near you on Sept. 20 through 22. Actually, the location is the Chase Collegiate School at 565 Chase Parkway for three performances.

Audiences arrive just as they would at a wedding. They represent either Tony's or Tina's family. They watch the happy couple exchange vows and then they join them for the reception. It is at the reception where family dramas unfold.

As "invited guests," the audience gets in on the action. There's dancing, a champagne toast, pasta dinner, and a slice of the wedding cake, all provided by the Nunzio and Vitale families.

The tour production of "Tony 'n Tina's Wedding," features original cast members from the New York production. However, in addition, local actors are cast to play supporting roles.

Keith Paul, the artistic director of The Desultory Theatre Club, is having double the fun with his current production of "God of Carnage" on the boards and as the official Desultory Theatre Club and Morrison's Hardware creative director. The new title is a mouthful, but it's keeping Keith busy. Best of all, he now even has an office. "It's a lot like the office Danny DeVito had in the TV series 'Taxi'," said Keith. It's raised and I can see all around."

Meanwhile, Ian Diedrich, Kate Samberg, Jim Buffone, and Emily Diedrich are busy in "God of Carnage," which Keith directs and which is running through this weekend. The play is being presented at Morrison's Hardware, 63 Water Street in Torrington. Tickets are $15.

Keith also sent this information along to me. "Morrison's Hardware is a great new pop-up Artspace brought to you by CreateHereNow Torrington and is a collaboration between the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and The City of Torrington.

CreateHereNow is made possible by ArtPlace America, which is a collaboration of leading national and regional foundations, banks and federal agencies committed to accelerating creative placemaking putting art at the heart of a portfolio of strategies designed to revitalize communities.

Keith loves the arts, Torrington, and smiling. Make him smile even more by attending this last weekend of "God of Carnage."

Jack Sheedy's type of fun is being at the Main Street Marketplace in Torrington. He likes meeting locals and chatting about his book. Stop by Jack's book booth from 5 to 9 tonight during this summer's final Main Street Marketplace.

"I will be talking about my book, 'Sting of the Heat Bug' and selling and signing copies," said Jack. Main Street Marketplace is definitely a fun event, described by Jack as "a sort of mini-fair or bazaar, with tents housing vendors of all kinds."

Also on hand for this fun-event are street performers — magicians, stilt walkers, musicians, and all kinds of ethnic foods. The Republican-American sports staff will also film an episode of The Redzone, its popular high school football show, at the paper's tent.

Jack also said that Bogey's Restaurant, in the Yankee Pedlar Building, features outdoor seating at elegant, white-clothed tables, and a world class menu. Look for Jack's booth located near the corner of Maiden Lane, right on Main Street.

If you have inside, off stage information regarding any Connecticut theater or local luminaries, please send it with a contact name and phone number to Off Stage at: jgrochman@gmail.com. Due to space needs, timeliness and other considerations, not all submissions can be addressed in Off Stage.

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